Closure for pressurized containers



INVENTOR. ERI K W. ANTHON AT TOR NEYS 7 Feb. .23, 1 965 E. w. ANTHON CLOSURE FOR PRESSURIZED CONTAINERS Filed Sept. 1, 1961 SEW United States Patent 3,170,607 CLOSURE FUR PRESSURIZED CQNTAINERS Erik W. Anthon, Kensington, Calif., assignor, by mesne assignments, to Warner-Lambert Pharmaceutical Company, Morris Plains, NJ.

Filed Sept. 1, 1961, Ser. No. 135,566 4 Claims. (Cl. 222400.7)

The present invention relates to improvements in a closure for pressurized containers and more particularly to such a closure which has fluid transfer means within the closure.

Certain of the known devices for closing containers are capable of withstanding rather high pressures and certain others are equipped with fluid lines. The present invention is directed to a closure which combines both features in a simple yet very effective unit. In particular, the invention is directed to a closure utilizing two fluid lines and in which one line is used to convey liquid out of the container and the other is used as an inlet for air or other gas to provide internal pressure. The present invent on also is adapted for use with standard bottles or the him which have an outwardly extending lip, avoiding any need for expensive components.

Accordingly it is a primary object of this invention to provide a closure of the character described WlllCh fits standard reagent bottles.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a closure which is simply constructed and easy to operate.

A further object of this invention is to provide a closure for glass containers which is capable of withstanding shock.

Still another object is to provide a closure of the above character which has an exceptionally good seal that retains even pressure over a period of time and which does not have unwanted back-up in the exit line.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a closure which has parts interchangeable with similar parts of other like closures to provide versatility of operatlon.

Another object of the invention is to provide a closure of the character described which affords the strength and wear qualities of metal construction in a unit which avoids any metal to glass contact.

Further objects and advantages of my invention will be apparent as the specification progresses, and the new and useful features of my closure for pressurized containers will be fully defined in the claims attached hereto.

These and other objects are obtained by my closure for pressurized containers having an outwardly extending hp, which generally comprises a cap, fluid transfer lines through the cap, clamping means on the cap adapted to extend around the container and hold against the lip thereof to clamp the cap to the container, and resilient means on the cap adapted to abut the container when clamping is effected.

The preferred form of my invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing, forming part of this specification, in which:

FIGURE 1 shows a vertical cross-sectional View of a closure embodying the principles of the present invention in place on a container; and

FIGURE 2, a top view of the same partially broken While I have shown only the preferred form of my invention, it should be understood that various changes or modifications may be'made within the scope of the claims hereto attached without departing from the spirit,

wardly extending lip or flange 14 which is conventional v The closure is held against axial movement by an outr 3,170,607 Patented Feb. 23, 1 965 on standard reagent bottles. In other words, flange 14 provides an anchor for clamping a cap 16 over the mouth of the bottle. In order to provide a better seal and, to absorb shock, a resilient O-ring 17 is held on the cap 16 in position to abut the inner filleted surface of the neck 12 of container 13, as shown in FIGURE 1. This O-ring is placed in a channel 18 formed on a boss 19 and held therein by flange 21. O-ring 17 is sufficiently elastic to be stretched and slipped over flange 21 for assembly or removal of same.

The fluid transfer lines preferably comprise glass, plastic or metal tubes 22 and 23 as best shown in FIGURE 1. As indicated above, the tube 23 is utilized for bringing in air or gas to pressurize the container a controlled amount. Tube 22 extends deep into the container and will usually be below the upper surface of any liquid held therein. Accordingly, pressure in the container tends to force liquid out through tube 22 against the hydraulic head in the tube and any other back pressure. For example, liquid may be transferred into a system which is under pressure by this mechanism.

In order to provide a seal and sufiicient grip on glass I tubes 22 and 23 to hold them against pressure, the system shown in FIGURE 1 is preferred. This system comprises bores or holes 24 in thecap 16 which are slightly larger than the tubes 22 and 23 at the lower end. The holes 24 are made larger at the upper end to provide an annular space 26 between the large end and the outer surface of tube22 or 23. Fitting within each annular space 26 is a pair of resilient O-rings 27 seperated by a collar 28. At the lower end of each annular space 26 is a shoulder 29 and at the upper end is a surface of a disc-shaped member 31 held on cap 16 by means of screws 32. On tightening of the screws 32, the O-ri-ngs 27 are squeezed flatter in their respective positions to bear upon the surfaces of tubes 22 and 23 and the inner surface of annular space 26 so as to provide the necessary seal and grip. The use of a pair of O-rings for each tube has several advantages including a double seal, double grip and alignment of the tube in cap 16.

As indicated above, the use of the double seal and increased frictional grip are important for use with higher pressures, and pressures of say pounds per square inch or higher can be utilized within the container when the closure of this invention is used. Alignment is important to prevent metal to glass contact when the tube is of glass and the cap is made of metal as in the preferred form. Moreover, alignment is desirable to obtain the best seal.

In order to remove and replace a glass tube, it is only necessary to loosen screws 32 and back off disc member 31 an amount suflicient to release the pressure on the 0- rings 27. The glass tube may then be slipped out and a new one inserted into position without undue pressure. When the new tube is adjusted to the desired location, screws 32 are tightened to squeeze O-rings 27 against and sealingly hold the tube in place.

As indicated above, the cap is tightly clamped in place on the mouth of the bottle. The clamping means includes a ring member 33, an O-ring 34 carried between the ring member and the flange of the container, and fastening means 36 which urges the ring member 33 and cap 16 relatively together as shown in FIGURE 1. Fasother fastening means may be used and different ones may be the same or different. However, the fastening means should be able to effect a clamping force which urges ring 33 and cap 16 relatively together. It should also be designed so that cap 16 may be removed rather easily.

In the embodiment illustrated in the drawing, stud 37 and away from the container.

"the container or other operations.

3 a fits through a hole 41 in cap 16 and hole 42 in ring 33. Thus, tightening of wing nut 39 effects a clamping force to hold the cap and evenly distributed forces may be obtained by tightening all of the wing nuts 39 gradually in successive order. Removal of the cap is achieved by simply unscrewing wing nuts 39 and lifting'cap 16 up Alternatively, removal may be effected by unscrewing nuts 38 and lifting cap 16 and studs 37 off the container.

Ring 33 is made larger than the lip 14 of container 13 so as to fit easily thereover, and it contains an inwardly 1 extending flange 43 having a rounded surface that fits the surface of O-ring 34. As shown in the drawing, O-ring 34 also fits against the lower surface of lip 14 and adjacent surfaces of the neck 12 of bottle 13. In this way O-ring 34 serves to provide a cushioned grip for ring 33 on the container. Preferably, ring 33 is made of metal, and O-ring 34 also serves to prevent glass to metal contact as well as to provide even distribution of forces when clamping-is effected. The resilient-nature of (It-ring 34 is not only important in preventing shock that might break the glass, but it also allows the. O-ring to be stretched over the lip '14 of the bottle and contracted into place.

Alternatively, a split ring may be used, if desired, instead of O -ring 34 so as to allow a stiffer material to be used than one with sufficient elasticity to fit over the bottle neck. I

From the above description, it is seen that ring 33 is held in .placewhen clamped to cap 16. However, it is desirable to hold it in place when clamping is not effected and when cap 16 is removed. Accordingly, in the preferred form of my invention, I provide means for holding the ring imposition. These means comprise a plurality of legs' M whichare axially adjustable with respect to ring 33, and which have resilient tipsde adapted to bear against shoulder 47 of the container. Axial adjustment of legs 44 may be achieved by having a threaded end of each leg extending into hole 48 of ring 33 and carrying a nut 49 which bears against ring 33. The nut then holds both ring 33 and 'O-ring 34 against neck 14 of the container. Alternatively, the leg 44 can be held inthreaded engagement with ring 33 and adjustment provided by rotation of the leg.

- As seen from the description above, the cap 16 may be removed and ring 33 kept in place during refilling of It is also possible to use different caps interchangeably with different clamping means, and full bottles carrying clamping means thereon may be substituted for empty bottles in a quick and simple the container, an internally extending flange on said'ring,

member, resilient means fitting within the ringv member and against the flange, a plurality of legs on the ring member axially movable with respect thereto, resilent tips on oneend of the legs adapted to engage the shoulder of the container; and clamping means for clamping the ring member to the cap while urging the resilient means against the lip of the container.

2. A coverfor a pressurizable glass container having .a neck with an outwardly extending lip, comprising a cap, aboss onsaid cap, a first flexible O-ring fitting around the boss and adapted to abut'the inner surface of the neck of the container at its opening, walls defining a hole extending through the cap, a glass tube fitting through said hole, said walls including a shoulder at an intermediate and one end of the cap, a second flexible Q-ring fitting within the annular space and against the shoulder, a third O-ring fitting within the annular space, a collar fitting within the annular space between the second O-ring and third O-ring, a plate on said cap pressing against the third O-ring whereby the second Q-Jring and third Q-ring are squeezed against the glass tube to effects seal capable of holding a high pressure differential, and, clamping means on the cap adapted to extend around the container and hold against the lower outer surface of the lip thereof whereby the cap may be clamped to the container and the first 'O-ring squeezed between :the cap andthe. container to effect a seal capable of holding high pressures.

3. A cover for a pressurizable glass container having a neck with an outwardly extending lip, comprising a cap, a boss on said cap, a flange on said boss, a flexible C ring fitting around the boss and .held thereon by said flange, said O-ring adapted to abut the inner surface of the neck of the container at its opening, walls defining a hole extending throughthe cap, a glass tube fitting through said. hole, fiexiblesealing meansbetween the outer wall of the glass tube and the wall of the hole in thecap, means for pressing thefiexiole sealing means intotight engagement with theouter wall-of the glass tube and the wall of the hole to effect a sealcapable of holding high pressure differentials, a ring member adapted to fit around the neck of the container, an inwardly extending flange on the lower side of said ring member, said ring member being continuous throughout its ci cumference and having an internal diameter larger than the external diameter of the lip section, a flexible O-ring fitting within 'thering point and defining a larger hole at one end so that an;

annular space is provided between the glass tube and I Walls of the hole which extends between theshouldcr 1 member and against the fiangeQand clamping means for clamping the'ring member to the cap while urging the O-ring against the outer surface of the lip of the com tainer.

4. A- cover'for a pressurizable glass container having a neck with an outwardly extending lip, comprising a cap, a boss on said cap, flexible O-ring fitting around .the boss, and adapted to abut the surface .of the container at its opening, walls defining ahole extending through the cap, a glass tube fitting through said hole, said walls including a shoulder at an intermediate point and defining a larger hole atone end sothat an annular space is provided between the glass tube and walls of the hole which extends between the shoulder and one end of thecap a second flexible O-ring fitting within the annular space and against the shoulder, a third O-ring fitting within the annular space, a collar fitting within the annular space between the second O-ring and third O-ring, a plate on said cap pressing against the third O-ring whereby the second O-ring and third O-ring are squeezed against the glass tube to effect a seal capable of holding a high pressure'differential, aring member adapted to fit around the neck of the container, an internally extending flange on said ring member, resilent means fitting within the ring member and against the flange, a'plurality of legson the ring member-axially movable with respect thereto, resilient tips on one end of the legs adapted to engage the shoulder of the container, and clamping means for clamping the ring member to the cap while urging the resilient means against the lip of the container.

vReferences C ited'in the fileof this-patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Sherwood Apr. 17, 1888 .jFrance June 1 3, 1938 

1. A COVER FOR A PRESSURIZABLE GLASS CONTAINER HAVING A SHOULDER AND A NECK WITH AN OUTWARDLY EXTENDING LIP, COMPRISING A CAP, FLUID TRANSFER MEANS EXTENDING THROUGH THE CAP, A RING MEMBER ADAPTED TO FIT AROUND THE NECK OF THE CONTAINER, AN INTERNALLY EXTENDING FLANGE ON SAID RING MEMBER, RESILIENT MEANS FITTING WITHIN THE RING MEMBER AND AGAINST THE FLANGE, A PLURALITY OF LEGS ON THE RING MEMBER AXIALLY MOVABLE WITH RESPECT THERETO, RESILENT TIPS ON 